I just bought an Exposure Strada RS Aktiv (a Mk 11 on sale) and I like the auto dimming so far. I wondered if any longer users had any comments?
First the bad:
- The ‘dipped’ beam isn’t stvzo when it really should be.
- Proprietary charging instead of USB C.
- No power bank option (apart from a proprietary mini USB cable).
But the auto-dimming reacts immediately and seems well set up: the spot beam dims by 90% (according to Exposure) while the wide beam dims less, and to me it seems less dazzling than most cars’ dipped lights.
The modes seem good too, similarly cutting the spot more than the wide beam.
I also like how you don’t have to scroll through the flash when switching between modes.
My commute covers city, unlit potholed rural 30mph & 60mph, unlit farm tracks & paths, and a segregated 2-way cycle lane alongside lit and unlit sections of motorway. The Strada seemed to have the best balance of not dying while not being a dick.
I very nearly went for a Ravemen, but at the sale price the Strada won for Aktiv auto-dimming and not having to scroll through flashing mode.
What looks particularly cool about the Ravemen is the ability to flash a signal/warning using the emergency function.
It also highlights my only doubt about Aktiv, which is that you can’t temporarily override it to flash a warning. Once enabled in the setup menu it’s on for all modes, even when you switch between them.
I like the remote switch that came with my Strava mk2. Works with my Joystick through the proprietary port. Still use it with a 1000 lumen Joystick 12 on occasion (mounted under the Garmin pointing downwards). The 440 Lumen Strava is also still going but the clear rubber button is failing after 10 years. Great lights.
The remote’s great! It’s not wireless, but OTOH I think I’ll be just fine without more Bluetooth and CR batteries in my life.
My 6yo Sirius front light is still solid. Just not bright or wide enough for unlit roads and tracks.